Like many of us, I am currently editing my SOP and am looking for some advice. My writing style right now is very to-the-point and sticking to the prompt more or less… my friend just shared her SOP with me (she got accepted) and she has a much more narrative style of writing.
I’m not sure if I should some up with something similar to that. I do have some personal flair in my SOP, but it’s kind of plain in general. From my understanding, SOPs are supposed to be cover letter-esque, so idk if I should really go the narrative route or not… anyone know which style JET prefers? Thanks
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I got in with an SOP that was very cover-letter like. Just answered the questions outlined on the website without any narrative flare. The content is what matters most, and that it’s grammatically correct.
The SOP is a more a cover letter than a creative writing exercise.
You have a small amount of space to sell everything that you bring to the program. If you can tell a narrative and make it pretty, fine. But it doesn’t have to be that. Be direct and don’t waste words.
I’ve read so many SOPs where people think they need to sound “smart” or “creative”, so they end up with paragraphs that say absolutely nothing.
It really is just a covering letter with suggested topics. You could get in with a less typical approach but I wouldn’t be tempted to try if it isn’t how you’d usually write one.
AFAIK there’s not a set preferred method, but you just want to make sure you gear it towards conveying the info you’d include in a cover letter. Another thing, whatever style you go with just make sure there’s absolutely no grammar or spelling mistakes. That sounds obvious, but still…
Having marked a large number of SOPs in my country, I would say there are no real rules, but as others have mentioned, if it’s not your natural style, it could be risky.
If you stick to the points as presented, you are guaranteed covering the minimum bases, but there isn’t that much wiggle room to set you apart from the pack. If you have the following:
– I first became interested in Japan when I watched manga/anime/did martial arts/met a Japanese classmate/felt annointed by the sun god
– I studied Japanese in high school and university
– I did some kind of Asian studies
– I took a semester in Kyoto or Tokyo
– I want to improve my Japanese
Congratulations, you have the same SOP as about 85% of the ones I have ever read.
So, you really need SOMETHING to set you apart. Now, whether that’s expanding on your hobbies and how you could use them in your schools or getting involved in the community or a funny story, I don’t know, but DON’T spell out dry facts in your SOP. It’s pretty much the only place you can show your personality. Just be self-aware enough to review your SOP through the eyes of people interviewing you. You might find “It’s Always Sunny” style humor hilarious, but it’s not for everyone, right?